New Global Programs Publication Outlines Strategies to Involve Youth in Combating HIV and AIDS in Africa

Young people ages 15-24 comprise a large portion of the population in developing countries and in places like Africa, many of these youth are unable to find employment.  At the same time, young people in Africa are also at the center of the HIV and AIDS epidemic, with almost half of all new infections occurring among people this age. 

A new report from HHD’s Global Programs, entitled “Involving Young People in Efforts to Combat HIV and AIDS in Africa: The Importance of Income-Generating Strategies,” identifies solutions to both youth unemployment and HIV and AIDS by offering case examples and strategies to involve these future leaders in the fight against HIV and AIDS through employment strategies.

The report summarizes the prevalence and risk factors associated with HIV and AIDS among young people, predominant modes of transmission, and related social issues in Sub-Saharan Africa and describes the interrelationship of HIV and AIDS, economic development, poverty, and youth employment.  It also provides specific case examples of organizations that involve young people in the continuum of HIV and AIDS prevention, treatment, and care services and offers models for compensating young people’s contributions. 

Highlights from the report include:

• Specific recommendations for how young people can become involved in ways that lead to paid work and income generation, including youth employment strategies in HIV and AIDS-related work
• Case examples from key organizations using innovative programs to address both youth unemployment and youth involvement in HIV and AIDS prevention, treatment, and care

The report is an outgrowth of HHD’s work to combat the HIV and AIDS epidemic worldwide through employment-related strategies. A key part of this work was publication of the paper “Rethinking the Future: Youth Employment Opportunities in HIV/AIDS”, which was written for EDC’s Youth Employment Summit regional forum in December 2003 and focused on youth employment issues in Asia. 

Along with funding from EDC, financial support for the writing and publication of this document came from the International Youth Foundation, the Altadena Rotary Charities, on behalf of Rotary Clubs of Zambia and the USA, and the United States Department of State.

Please download Involving Young People in Efforts to Combat HIV and AIDS in Africa: The Importance of Income-Generating Strategies to learn more about ways to involve future leaders in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

June 29, 2007